A comparison of child abuse and child neglect.

Compared data from the child welfare and the hospital files for each of 422 children identified from a hospital list as abused. The children fell into 4 categories: 62 (mean age 2.1 yrs) who were neglected, 243 (mean age 5.2 yrs) who were abused, 83 who were abused and neglected, and 34 for whom evidence of abuse or neglect was not established. Significant differences were found between the families who abused their children and those who neglected them, including differences in maternal age and socioeconomic status (SES). Abuse was more prevalent in children who had been previously separated from their parents, while children of teenaged mothers were most likely to be neglected. Data relating to the difficulties in decision making support the notion that interdisciplinary community teams might have much to offer in the development of more stringent guides for determining the nature of mistreatment and the probability of further risk to the child. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Substantiation of child abuse and neglect reports.

A representative sample of 796 sexual abuse, 198 physical abuse, and 880 child neglect reports in New York State in 1985 was examined to identify case factors that predict the substantiation of the reports following an investigation by child protective services. This issue has taken on added significance as the number of child maltreatment reports continues to rise, whereas the percentage of those being substantiated declines. Regression analyses revealed that reports from professionals were substantiated at a significantly higher rate than reports from nonprofessionals for all types of maltreatment. These analyses further revealed that part of the effect of source of report was due to differences between professional and nonprofessional reports in the types of actions taken after the report was received. The most important predictors of substantiation, after source of report, were the variables that reflected the case investigatory process. The data also showed that background characteristics, such as the child's ethnicity or the number of children in the household, had some impact on the outcome of the investigation and that this varied as a function of the type of maltreatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Liability issues in child abuse and neglect reporting statutes.

For nearly 30 years, psychologists have relied almost exclusively on child abuse and neglect reporting statutes to understand the legal duty to report child maltreatment. Although these statutes go far in delineating the contours of reporting requirements, mandated reporters may further their understandings of their duties through knowledge of judicial interpretation of these statutes. Accordingly, this article reviews the liability provisions found in the 50 states' child abuse and neglect reporting statutes and summarizes relevant court findings. Courts seem motivated by 2 key considerations, namely, that statutes should be interpreted broadly and that states' interests in such reporting is compelling. These opinions offer practical guidance as well as information relevant to the debate on how these reporting statutes should be reformed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The federal response to child abuse and neglect.

Addressing the problem of child maltreatment is a high priority for the Clinton administration. Guided by the principles of safety, permanency, and the child's well-being, the Administration on Children and Families (ACF) has made great strides in improving the lives of maltreated children. Critical programs administered by ACF include the Adoption and Safe Families Act, Community-Based Family Resource and Support Program grants, Children's Justice Act programs, and Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act research and demonstration projects. Projects serve both to expand existing programs and to develop innovative approaches. ACF has also sponsored several multidisciplinary national conferences designed to generate a sense of shared responsibility and a renewed commitment to solving problems of child abuse and neglect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Potential liability in cases of child abuse and neglect

Effects of thyrotropin hormone (TSH) and anti-TSH receptor antibodies on the plasma membrane potential of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. Both TSH and the autoantibody caused a rapid, dose-dependent hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane of PMNs. TSH was also able to mask (revert) the depolarizing effect of a chemotactic peptide, fMLP, on PMNs. No detectable rise in the cytosolic free calcium level accompanied the observed hyperpolarization. Quinine, a blocker of Ca(2+)-activated and voltage-gated K+ channels did not affect the hyperpolarization by TSH and antibodies. Decreasing the [K+] gradient across the plasma membrane by valinomycin, however, blocked the hyperpolarizing effect. Peptide362-376 (derived from the extracellular domain of TSH receptor) also blocked the hyperpolarization induced by both TSH and anti-TSHR antibodies. These data suggest that the observed hyperpolarization is a specific, receptor-mediated early signal during interaction of PMNs with TSH or anti-TSHR antibodies.     

The worst combinations of child abuse and neglect

We have studied the impact of various kinds of abuse and neglect on the child's perception of himself and his future. We found, when considering physical abuse, physical neglect, verbal abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse, that less than 5% of these mistreatments occurred in isolation. Since the vast majority of mistreated children are subject to more than one kind of abuse or neglect, it was important to delineate which combinations have the greatest effect. We found that a combination of physical neglect, physical abuse, and verbal abuse had the greatest impact on children, affecting such things as their enjoyment of living and hopes for the future. An early age of onset for verbal abuse and emotional neglect was significantly associated with greater severity and frequency of mistreatment. Neglect appears to be a precursor to abuse in many cases.     

Incidence of child neglect and child abuse in the region of Copenhagen

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of physical violence, neglect and sexual abuse against children as reported to the local authorities, in the county of Copenhagen during the year 1993. A questionnaire was mailed to the local authorities in the 18 districts in the county and to 18 schools and 18 general practitioners (GP's). They were asked whether, and how many new, verified and suspected cases of physical, emotional and sexual abuse had come to their attention in 1993. A total of 300 cases of child abuse were identified in the area with a total population of 675.000 i.e. a total incidence of 2.7 cases per 1000 children aged 0-17 years (2.7%), with 0.7% for physical violence, 0.5% for sexual abuse and 1.5% for emotional neglect. Some 180 cases were considered verified and 120 cases were suspected. A considerable variation between the different districts was noted, i.e. the local incidence varied from 0-5.4%. A statistically significant inverse correlation between the average local tax-income and the incidence of child abuse and neglect was found. There were several examples of schools having knowledge of more cases than the local authorities. Very few cases came to be attention of the GP.     

Multisystemic therapy for child abuse and neglect: A randomized effectiveness trial.

The primary purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized effectiveness trial of Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) for physically abused youth (mean age = 13.88 years, 55.8% female, 68.6% Black) and their families. Eighty-six families being followed by Child Protective Services due to physical abuse were randomly assigned to MST-CAN or Enhanced Outpatient Treatment (EOT), with both interventions delivered by therapists employed at a community mental health center. Across five assessments extending 16 months post baseline, intent-to-treat analyses showed that MST-CAN was significantly more effective than EOT in reducing youth mental health symptoms, parent psychiatric distress, parenting behaviors associated with maltreatment, youth out-of-home placements, and changes in youth placement. Also, MST-CAN was significantly more effective at improving natural social support for parents. Effect sizes were in the medium to large range for most outcomes examined. Although fewer children in the MST-CAN condition experienced an incident of reabuse than did counterparts in the EOT condition, base rates were low and this difference was not statistically significant. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential for broad-based treatments of child physical abuse to be effectively transported and implemented in community treatment settings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A developmental psychopathology perspective on child abuse and neglect

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to conceptualize child abuse and neglect within a developmental psychopathology perspective. Toward this end, issues of definition and epidemiology, etiology, and sequelae are addressed. METHOD: Research and theory on child abuse and neglect with relevance to a developmental perspective is reviewed. RESULTS: Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the etiology and consequences of child abuse and neglect. Less progress has been made in utilizing this knowledge to inform treatment efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of a developmental psychopathology perspective into efforts to understand and ameliorate the adverse effects of child abuse and neglect holds considerable promise for advancing research and intervention in the area of child maltreatment. The importance of providing comprehensive and coordinated services that incorporate knowledge of how maltreated youngsters negotiate stage-salient issues of development is stressed. The provision of child-focused treatment, parent-based models of intervention, and ecologically driven approaches to prevention all can benefit from an understanding of the adverse effects that maltreatment exerts on the process of development.     

Early intervention for parents at risk of child abuse and neglect: A preliminary investigation.

An early intervention program for young parents and children who have been identified as being at risk of child maltreatment was evaluated. Thirty mother–child dyads were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) an information group offered by the child protection agency (which served as a control condition) or (b) a special program of behavioral parent training in addition to the agency group. Self-report measures indicated that significant improvements in parenting risk and child behavior problems at posttest and at 3-month follow-up were evident only for mothers who received parent training in addition to information groups. Home observation data were inconclusive, possibly due to the limited opportunities to observe behaviors of interest. Both groups showed improvements in their child-rearing environments and in their children's adaptive behaviors at follow-up. Caseworker ratings of clients' risks of maltreatment and abilities to manage their families at 1-year follow-up significantly favored the families who received parent training in addition to information. Methodological and treatment issues arising from this preliminary investigation of early intervention with diverse population of high-risk parents and children are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The power of Filial Relationship Enhancement therapy as an intervention in child abuse and neglect.

Identified variables that influence intervention in child abuse and neglect and proposes a constructive approach that can help these children and their families change. This is a difficult and complex societal problem, and it is difficult to tease out the specific elements that are responsible for the frequency of its occurrence. The family context is often recognized as having a significant influence. Filial Relationship Enhancement, using an improved family context to support gains, has a long history of research and practice to support its efficacy to intervene in difficulties that impede optimum functioning in children. Filial Relationship Enhancement helps parents learn to conduct weekly child-centered play therapy sessions with their own children at home. This article presents the basic assumptions and the rationale for considering the potential power of this approach. It also describes a program of intervention incorporated by a child protective unit of a county agency. Using informal measures, outcomes are described as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recognizing familiar faces: The role of distinctiveness and familiarity.

Examined the claim of J. C. Bartlett et al (see record 1985-11281-001) that the effect of distinctiveness in recognition memory for previously unfamiliar faces can be accounted for in terms of the differential perceived familiarity of distinctive and typical faces. In judging 12 photographs of male psychology department staff for distinctiveness and familiarity, 20 postgraduates and staff from other departments produced results indicating independent effects of distinctiveness and familiarity in the recognition of highly familiar faces. Results are inconsistent with the familiarity hypothesis of Bartlett et al and are explained better in terms of a facial prototype. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of multisystemic therapy and parent training in the brief treatment of child abuse and neglect.

This study evaluated the relative efficacy of two promising treatments of child abuse and child neglect: parent training and multisystemic therapy. Subjects included 18 abusive families and 15 neglectful families who were randomly assigned to the treatment conditions. Self-report and observational measures were used to evaluate the effects of treatment at three levels that have been associated with child maltreatment: individual functioning, family relations, and stress/social support. Statistical analyses revealed that families who received either treatment showed decreased parental psychiatric symptomology, reduced overall stress, and a reduction in the severity of identified problems. Analyses of sequential observational measures revealed that multisystemic therapy was more effective than parent training at restructuring parent–child relations. Parent training was more effective than multisystemic therapy at reducing identified social problems. The differential influences of the two treatments were probably associated with differences in their respective treatment contexts and epistemologies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Early and long-term effects of child sexual abuse: An update.

New research on the impact of child sexual abuse generally confirms the conclusions of an earlier review article by A. Browne and D. Finkelhor (see record 1986-14683-001) and extends findings into a few new areas. For example, more studies are now available concerning the impact of abuse on boys, but they have not found consistent gender differences. Some longitudinal studies have also been completed; they show a decline in symptomatology in the months following disclosure. Two areas of controversy are also prominent. One concerns how to explain the relatively substantial percentages of sexually abused children in most studies who have no symptoms on current diagnostic measures. The second concerns whether posttraumatic stress disorder is a useful conceptual framework for understanding the findings on the impact of sexual abuse. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mother–child interactional style in abuse, neglect, and control groups: Naturalistic observations in the home.

Examined mother–child interactional patterns in an urban environment. Three groups of mothers (n?=?12/group) were included in the study: (a) Ss with a known history of child abuse, (b) Ss with a known history of child neglect, and (c) Ss with no known history of child maltreatment. Ss and their children were observed in their homes on 3 consecutive days for 90 min each day. Interactions were described via a coding system of 11 major interactional patterns; dependent variables included verbal and nonverbal behaviors as well as measures of total interaction. Results indicate that the groups differed on several variables. Dysfunctional Ss showed significantly fewer positive behaviors than did the controls on verbal and nonverbal measures. Also, the abusive Ss showed significantly higher rates of verbal and physical aggression; the neglectful mothers had the lowest overall rates of interaction. The maltreated children also exhibited fewer positive behaviors and more aggressive behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of current theories of child maltreatment and of the treatment of dysfunctional families. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychologists' knowledge, opinions, and decision-making processes regarding child abuse and neglect reporting laws.

Mandated child abuse reporting laws have been in effect in the United States for more than 20 years, yet practitioners vary in their understanding and opinions of these laws. A sample of licensed psychologists were surveyed and reported being relatively well-informed. However, their performance on a knowledge measure suggests knowledge deficits and a tendency to overreport. Legal considerations encourage reporting, whereas beliefs that one can provide client treatment deter reporting. Opinions of the laws were generally favorable, with some concerns about child protection systems and the impact of reporting on the therapeutic alliance. Practice and policy implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Knowledge and attitudes among California dental care providers regarding child abuse and neglect

Combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus a platinum compound (carboplatin or cisplatin) is the current regimen of choice for the treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. The two most widely used combinations are paclitaxel (135 mg/m2, 24-hour infusion) plus cisplatin (75 mg/m2) or paclitaxel (175 mg/m2, 3-hour infusion) plus carboplating dosed to an area under curve of 7.5. Randomized trials are in progress comparing these two regimens. Numerous other clinical issues remain regarding how to maximize the effectiveness of this therapy, including dose and schedule, duration of treatment, route of administration, and incorporation of other agents with novel mechanisms of cytotoxicity. New agents currently undergoing evolution as part of novel induction regimens have been shown to have significant activity in recurrent ovarian cancer and include topotecan, gemcitabine, oral etoposide, and encapsulated doxorubicin.